Ray Lamontagne Supernova Fall Tour at the Saenger Theatre

Monday, August 4, 2014 7:00 PM

NEW ORLEANS, LA - August 5, 2014 - Ten years ago Ray LaMontagne released his first album, TROUBLE, the gold-certified start to a fiercely ambitious, Grammy Award-winning, critically praised career that's encompassed three more albums, several EPs, a slew of soundtrack compilations and arresting live performances fronting a variety of ensembles. And LaMontagne is still having fun all these years later -- and with his fifth album, SUPERNOVA, maybe more fun than ever.

SUPERNOVA indeed bursts with a spirited bonhomme and a rocking, technicolor-tinged energy that's different from its four predecessors. The title track and first single is a grooving, Nuggets-style burst of neo-psychedelia in which LaMontagne's high register sounds hoarse with pleasure over the explosive power of love. "She's the One" is a bold, punchy, swirling rocker, while "Lavender," "Julia" and "Smashing" are soaked in lava lamp melodies and day-glo grooves. LaMontagne and the crack band Auerbach assembled for the SUPERNOVA lay back into rustic, rootsy territory during "Ojai" and "Drive-in Movies," while "Airwaves" rides a light samba rhythm and "No Other Way" is a love ballad replete with trippy images.

LaMontagne is now looking forward to giving SUPERNOVA's songs an airing on stage. He's put together a new band, and he anticipates a new wrinkle for his performances as well. "They give me a chance to play more electric guitar, which I love to do," LaMontagne says. "But I've always had such good players on stage, and so many of my songs are keyed into what I'm doing on the acoustic guitar. So I'm really looking forward to being able to set the acoustic down for half the set, finally. That will be a nice feeling."

Tickets for Ray LaMontagne ($45.00, $55.00 & $65.00) go on sale Friday, August 8th at Noon at the Saenger Theatre Box Office, ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000. The box office, located at 1111 Canal St., is open Monday through Friday 10am to 5pm. All tickets subject to applicable service charges and fees.
For more information, please visit raylamontagne.com and saengernola.com. Or connect with us on Facebook (facebook.com/SaengerNOLA) and Twitter (@SaengerNOLA).